Common Questions about Hip Fractures in the Elderly

A hip fracture can significantly alter the quality of life that an elderly adult enjoys. That’s because hip fractures are extremely debilitating and recovery is long and difficult. Elderly adults have a high risk of breaking their hip due to a number of age-related conditions. Family caregivers can help their elderly relatives do what they can to avoid breaking their hips in the first place and learn about what it takes to have a successful recovery.

Homecare in Montauk NY: Senior Hip Fractures

Q: How common are hip fractures in aging adults?

A: Approximately 300,000 elderly adults are admitted to the hospital each year for a broken hip. Women are more likely than men to suffer from a hip fracture because they have a higher rate of osteoporosis, a bone disease. Most hip fractures are caused by slip and fall accidents, often in the home.

Q: What are some of the risk factors for hip fractures in seniors?

A: Besides osteoporosis and the effects of aging on the bones, there are a number of risk factors that boost the likelihood of an elderly adult breaking their hip. Seniors with vertigo, dizziness or high blood pressure are more likely to fall, while those with weak muscles, poor vision and slow reflexes are also at risk.

Q: How are hip fractures treated?

A: To repair a broken hip, the elderly adult will need surgery. Depending on the type of break, the surgeon may put in pins or a plate to keep the bones together. In some cases, the surgeons will recommend a hip replacement. This is when artificial pieces are fused to the bone to take the place of the natural hip.

Q: What is recovery like for hip fractures in the elderly?

A: Recovering from a hip fracture and hip surgery is long and often difficult. Because bones don’t heal as quickly in elderly adults as in others, recovery time is longer. Seniors are also usually dealing with other medical issues that might also slow healing, such as diabetes or circulatory issues.

Q: Are there complications from hip fractures and hip surgeries to watch out for?

A: Seniors are susceptible to complications as a result of the surgery to fix a broken hip. Common conditions include bed sores, pneumonia, infection, blood clots and another slip and fall. Family caregivers and senior care aides can help minimize the risk of complication with attentive post-surgery care.

Q: Why does a broken hip often lead to seniors moving to long-term care homes?

A: With a hip fracture, the elderly adult faces restricted movement for many weeks and months. Because mobility is so restricted, many elderly adults lose their independence in doing daily tasks like bathing, toileting and meal prep. Many seniors turn to family members, senior care assistants and community senior services to help them through the recovery process.

Q: Can seniors truly recover from a broken hip?

A: For some elderly adults, a broken hip is the first step in a long and life-changing set of health conditions. For others, a broken hip is a devastating injury that they can eventually recover from. It depends on the age and health of the senior, their ability to recover, the type of support they have and any other medical complications.

If you or an aging loved one is considering homecare in Montauk, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Source:

Shieldmysenior.com